We have to ensure the transport network is fully accessible
Caroline spoke to BBC London Politics about the lack of progress on step-free access on the tube, and wider concerns about accessibility on London's transport system.
Caroline said:
Transport articles
No excuse for a slow train approach to passenger safety
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) investigation report into the fatality at Eden Park train station on the 26 February 2020, where a blind man suffered fatal injuries after falling from the edge of a platform without tactile paving, said:
“In 2021 it is staggering that one third of platforms around the country lack tactile paving, a basic safety measure, simply because it is only installed when there are major station renovations.
Dropping plans to make all stations cashless is a real victory for Londoners
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on TfL dropping its plans to stop taking cash across all London Underground, DLR and London Overground stations, said:
“This is a welcome decision and a real victory for the 260,000 adults in London without a bank account. Children and tourists will also benefit from this decision.
Provide free travel to those fleeing domestic abuse
At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Women's Aid and the Rail Delivery Group launched a scheme providing free train travel to those fleeing domestic abuse, which has since helped hundreds of survivors.
In the London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon asked the Mayor of London if Transport for London would look at a similar scheme.
Serious issues to consider about cashless stations
In the London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon raised concerns with the Mayor of London about Transport for London making Tube, DLR and Overground stations cashless.
Caroline said:
Thameslink on the Tube map is welcome – it should be a permanent change!
Commenting on Transport for London's decision to add Thameslink temporarily to the Tube Map during 2021, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“This is an incredibly welcome decision and should have been made months ago.
“It is a change that I have long advocated and it is good to see TfL finally listening.
“A line which offers a Tube-like service in so many respects should of course be on the Tube map.
The government must ensure all rail stations have tactile paving
A Freedom of Information request by Caroline Pidgeon has revealed that 35% of Great Britain's railway station platforms do not have the tactile paving which is vital for blind and visually impaired people to be able to use them safely.
Caroline told BBC Radio 4's In Touch programme:
Stop making excuses for 8 months of failure to help visually impaired passengers
When challenged by Caroline Pidgeon in the London Assembly, the Mayor of London refused to apologise that it has taken 8 months for COVID-19 secure guiding and physical assistance to be provided for the blind and visually impaired on Transport for London services.
We desperately need investment in our transport infrastructure
At the London Assembly's first ever online People's Question Time, Caroline discussed how to ensure London has world-class transport infrastructure.
We desperately need investment, particularly in our public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure. The Mayor of London must also finally cancel the £2bn polluting Silvertown Road Tunnel project under the Thames.
The Stratford-St Pancras line should be part of the zone system
Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Secretary of State for Transport asking for him to consider including the Southeastern route between Stratford International and St Pancras in the Travelcard Zoning System.
This would open up new travel routes to many in East London and reduce overcrowding, both now and as we recover from COVID-19.
Pages
